RainBox
Lead Participant:
SMALL HORSE LTD
Abstract
RainBox is a UK-based water purification SME, led by Matthew Pike (project lead) and Ralph Wood (technical lead).
Water scarcity and a lack of access to clean drinking water are global crises. A report by the UN found that, in 2020, 2B people still lacked access to safely managed drinking services, and that at the current rate of progress, by 2030, this number will only have fallen to 1.6B people. The problem of water scarcity disproportionately affects regions with high population growth, particularly those with already stressed water supplies. By 2025, half of the world's population is projected to live in water-stressed areas. Existing water distribution systems are outdated and expensive to maintain. While treatment technologies exist, those with high outputs are expensive and require a lot of energy, while affordable solutions have lower outputs.
Recognising the importance of addressing these crises, RainBox is developing a cost-effective high-output, maintenance-free modular solar still that will revolutionise water accessibility, in much the same way solar panels have for electricity. RainBox's solution is unique in that it is solar powered, improving productivity by 300%, offering off-grid functionality and catering to a diverse customer base, including charities, NGOs and local governments.
RainBox's technology will extend the reach of water-aid charities, bringing a potentially lifesaving resource to an estimated 130K people annually. This aligns with UNESCO's and the WHO's 2030 targets for clean water provision, which currently necessitate fourfold acceleration in efforts if they are to be met. With this innovation, RainBox will address global water scarcity, alleviate pressure on existing water distribution networks and foster a more sustainable society. It will also position the UK as a leader in the provision of water-aid.
Water scarcity and a lack of access to clean drinking water are global crises. A report by the UN found that, in 2020, 2B people still lacked access to safely managed drinking services, and that at the current rate of progress, by 2030, this number will only have fallen to 1.6B people. The problem of water scarcity disproportionately affects regions with high population growth, particularly those with already stressed water supplies. By 2025, half of the world's population is projected to live in water-stressed areas. Existing water distribution systems are outdated and expensive to maintain. While treatment technologies exist, those with high outputs are expensive and require a lot of energy, while affordable solutions have lower outputs.
Recognising the importance of addressing these crises, RainBox is developing a cost-effective high-output, maintenance-free modular solar still that will revolutionise water accessibility, in much the same way solar panels have for electricity. RainBox's solution is unique in that it is solar powered, improving productivity by 300%, offering off-grid functionality and catering to a diverse customer base, including charities, NGOs and local governments.
RainBox's technology will extend the reach of water-aid charities, bringing a potentially lifesaving resource to an estimated 130K people annually. This aligns with UNESCO's and the WHO's 2030 targets for clean water provision, which currently necessitate fourfold acceleration in efforts if they are to be met. With this innovation, RainBox will address global water scarcity, alleviate pressure on existing water distribution networks and foster a more sustainable society. It will also position the UK as a leader in the provision of water-aid.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
Participant |
||
| SMALL HORSE LTD |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Matthew Pike (Project Manager) |